Congratulations on making the decision to use cloth diapers for your little one! You've made a great choice for your baby and the environment. But before you can start using them, you need to prep them properly. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about prepping cloth diapers.
What is Prep-Washing?
Prep-washing is the process of washing new cloth diapers before their first use. During manufacturing, fabric softeners and other chemicals are used that may affect absorbency or cause irritation in some babies’ skin- hence it's essential to wash all new cloth diapers at least once before putting them on your little bundle of joy (because let's face it, nobody wants a grumpy baby).
Step-by-Step Guide for Prepping Onesize Diapers
Things To Consider
Before prepping any onesize diaper set consider these factors:
- The type of material; Hemp fleece soakers require more prep-time than basic cotton covers
- Water Hardness around your area
- Brand specific instructions(if available)
Materials Needed
Here are some materials needed:
- WARM WATER - Always opt for warm water as hot water can melt PUL layers.
- HARD WATER ADDITIVE – This helps prevent mineral build-up while improving cleaning.
- NON-BIOLOGICAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT – A laundry detergent with no added fragrance or conditioner is recommended.
Step One: Rinse and Dry Once
You should rinse and dry each diaper cover once after reaching home from buying it (there may be residue from production left by manufacturers). Be sure not throw too many into the dryer/follow brand-specific drying time rules as per each size .
Step Two: Standard Cycle Washes
Use only an appropriate amount of NON-BIOLOGICAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT as your detergent of choice. Carry out a minimum of 3 wash cycles, without adding any fabric softener or bleach.
Step Three: Dry, Deep Clean and Repeat
Dry diapers on moderate heat in the dryer / hang around till completely dry if that's what the brand suggests. Ensure to turn them inside-out to allow maximum ventilation for fleece absorbent layers (nobody wants lingering smells).
Repeat these steps twice or thrice more depending upon; how hard your water is/if there’s still noticeable stains left/if fibers look&feel softer than before- just make sure they are super-dry after every cycle (trust me you don't want mildew growth/misshapen diapers causing leaks)
Tips for Quick Prepping
If time isn’t at ones’ disposal, you certainly can reduce prep-duration using these tips:
- Consider pre-folds instead of flats
- Buy Second-hand covers as most times it's been prepped already
- For Hemp Absorbents rinse under hot running water (to remove dirt and oils) before proceeding with standard prep-washing process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q) How soon can I use my newly-prepped cloth diaper? A) You're good to go whenever all guidelines have been followed thoroughlydiapers should be clean (with no visible marks), wrinkle-free & firmly placed around baby’s bottom.
Q) Can I use regular laundry detergent when washing cloth diapers? A) Not really– because many detergents contain harsh chemicals which may cause rashes along newborn skin while reducing overall lifespan comfortability-absorption must-haves.
Q) Why shouldn't bleach be used for Prepping both inserts/absorbers&covers? A)= Bleach breaks down natural fibers such hemp/bamboo causing reduced durability(similarly linked to fabric softeners).
Final Thoughts
Prepping cloth diapers before first use is essential. It can help you avoid leaks, diaper rashes and other uncomfortable situations for your baby. Following these steps will ensure that your cloth diapers are ready to use without any harmful effects on your baby's skin or the environment! Broken down into easy-to-follow steps no task ever seems too daunting, wash-day???? might be fun after this hey?